GPS tracking cell phone

Vivian - posted on 01/22/2015
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3 moms have responded
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My 16 yr old daughter is saying I don't trust her because I have a GPS tracker on her phone. She just started driving this year and it gives me peace of mind. She feels I am exaggerating in worries. She has learned to turn it off now. So I told her if I decide to track her at any time and her GPS locator is off I will take away her driving privileges. Also all her gas is gone so quick because she gives her friends rides home after school

3 Comments

As far as GPS tracking, a bit overboard to me, and I'm the mom of 2 boys. However, I did get the driving app that turns off their texting ability while the vehicle is in motion.

Tell her that you will provide a certain amount of money for gas each week, and that any gas needed above that amount will have to be paid out of her pocket. Remind her that her friends need to chip in for gas (unless it would be a hardship for them...a couple of my kids' friends are very low income, so he doesn't let them pay for gas).

My rule for my kids: No excessive running around. We know that you're a teenager, and there's an inherent desire to just 'hang out', and we make allowances. No rides to strangers. If you're giving someone a ride home, let us know so we know why you're late. Tell your friends that gas ain't free. Also tell your friends that you're not their personal cabby...they need to drive sometimes too.

If she had given you reason not to trust her, then the GPS would be a bit more understandable, but seriously...a bit much.

I agree with everything Jodi said.What "peace of mind" does the tracker give you? Think back to when you first started driving, did you have a phone? Most probably not, how did your parents deal with you being out without being able to track you? They trusted you!

I think you are being overbearing, personally. I have olders kids (mine are aged 22, 17, 15 and 9) and it has never occurred to me that I needed to do this because I totally trust them. I agree that you clearly don't trust her.

Now here is where I have an issue. You are tracking her because YOU are worried. Not because you don't trust her. So it is actually about you not her. Why should she get punished for turning it off, when it isn't there because you don't trust her? Can I ask why you feel the need to have the tracker there?

With regard to gas for the car, maybe it's time for her to pay her own way. 16 years old is old enough to have a part time job to start paying for things like that.